CEBU, Philippines — Twenty transport cooperatives in Cebu are against the use of electric jeepneys or e-jeepneys, which are part of President Rodrigo Duterte's PUJ Modernization Program.

Metudio Belarmino, one of the organizers of the cooperatives, said they prefer the diesel or gasoline-powered jeepneys, not e-jeepneys.

“The gasoline-powered jeepneys also conform to the standards required under the program,” he said.

He made the statement following the launching of 25 e-jeepneys in Lapu-Lapu City on Monday.

Malbin Arias, United Drivers and Operators Transport Cooperative chairman, said the e-jeepneys will start plying the city’s major thoroughfares this week.

He said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted the cooperative provisional authority to operate the e-jeepneys.

The e-jeepneys, manufactured by a company called Star 8, feature a small electric fan, and a global positioning system. a closed-circuit television camera. They are powered by solar energy.

Each unit can accommodate up to 23 passengers.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, who graced the launching, said the e-jeepneys are environmentally friendly.

"I think it's high time we repay our dues to the environment. With this type of vehicle that will be used as Public Utility Vehicles— zero emissions, wala’y abog nga mogawas sa jeep," he said.

"Not only is the city a historical city, but it is also a tourism destination city. What could be more fitting that the tourists experiencing world class transportation system na walay usok," he added. — Jahzeel Willow S. Coquico, USC Intern KBQ (FREEMAN)

When US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited last week, he made assurances his country would come to the Philippines’ defense in the event of an armed attack on our vessels and aircraft in the South China Sea.

President Duterte and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad emphasized yesterday the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in maintaining peace and progress in the region, which is grappling with territorial disputes as well as China’s muscle-flexing.